Today’s consumers, especially those in the millennial generation, are not easy to win over. Social media has created an environment where consumers feel comfortable voicing their honest opinions. This is often why social media is seen as a double -edged sword. But social media is here to stay and it gives a brand the opportunity to engage with their customers even when they are not at the restaurant.[…] Continue Reading »

Coffee prices fluctuate with supply, but a severe drought in Brazil and a fungus called coffee rust in Central America have taken a toll on crop yields, sending coffee bean costs soaring this year with the expectation that they’ll go even higher in 2015.

It’s no secret that making the most of social media is integral to the marketing, branding and customer services goals of any business. For small businesses, this can be especially true. In many cases, though, worthwhile social media management is easier said than done. Sometimes, taking a look at the way larger brands utilize their social media accounts can often be insightful.[…] Continue Reading »

How operators are turning long lines, secret menus, and limited quantities into marketing opportunities

Since Chef Dominique Ansel released his croissant-doughnut hybrid last year, operators and manufacturers have been asking themselves, “How do we create the next cronut?” In an age where trends seem to capture our attention one minute and disappear the next, how do operators break through the noise and introduce the next craveable creation?[…] Continue Reading »

Gold? Silver? Or Bronze?: From a commodity standpoint, which type of Olympic medal would you prefer? As the medal count keeps climbing in Sochi, OpenMarkets offers an analysis of which medal … err, metal … is really most valuable.

When Wall Street helps: Great story about a former JPMorgan hedge fund banker halting his finance career to lead the charge in funding research to cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy to save his son.[…] Continue Reading »